Tennessee football earned substantial praise for reinventing their identity in a dominant defensive effort against Oklahoma in September, but a shocking loss to Arkansas is causing many fans to wonder if the offense is in disarray. Knoxville finally has an elite defense to enjoy, but fans do not want to sacrifice their trademark high-powered offensive attack for a ferocious front seven. A balanced Volunteers roster can be a legitimate threat in 2024.

Luckily, the latest injury updates should give head coach Josh Heupel a chance to perfect that formula in Week 7 versus the Florida Gators.

“Sources: Tennessee will have a full complement of available wide receivers against Florida, as Dont'e Thornton Jr. is available and will play on Saturday,” ESPN's Pete Thamel reported on Friday. “He'd been listed as questionable. Both WRs Squirrel White and Bru McCoy, who were probable, are also set to go.”

Tennessee football looks to bounce back

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Both Thornton and McCoy sustained injuries versus Arkansas before eventually returning to the field. Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava could have used a healthy crop of receivers in Fayetteville last weekend, as he struggled to move the ball down the field (5.4 yards gained per pass attempt). Perhaps he and his pass-catchers will be in rhythm back home in Neyland Stadium.

Dont'e Thornton Jr. leads the Volunteers with 284 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns, while Squirrel White paces the team with 15 receptions. Bru McCoy is productive himself, amassing 209 yards on 14 catches. Considering all three talents are cleared for Saturday's clash with the Gators, Tennessee football could return at full force.

Heupel will need it to, anyway, since a daunting matchup versus a wounded yet dangerous Alabama squad awaits his Vols in Week 8. Florida head coach Billy Napier is a desperate man, however, and desperate people do not make for ideal punching bags. Opening kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Saturday.